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The world accepts and follows the traditional approach. The primary cause of disorder in ourselves is the seeking of reality promised by another; we mechanically follow somebody who will assure us a comfortable spiritual life. It is a most extraordinary thing that although most of us are opposed to political tyranny and dictatorship, we inwardly accept the authority, the tyranny, of another to twist our minds and our way of life. So if we completely reject, not intellectually but actually, all so-called spiritual authority, all ceremonies, rituals and dogmas, it means that we stand alone and are already in conflict with society; we cease to be respectable human beings. A respectable human being cannot possibly come near to that infinite, immeasurable, reality.

Jiddu Krishnamurti#19

TruthAuthorityRealitySpiritualityIndependenceConformityOrder

About this quote

What does it mean?
Disorder arises from seeking external spiritual authority, which prevents direct engagement with reality.
In plain terms
Following spiritual leaders blindly keeps you from finding truth yourself.
What can you take from it?
Reject external authority to find your own reality.

Where it applies

  • spiritual seeking
  • philosophy
  • self reliance

Putting it to work

  • questioning dogma
  • standing alone

Questions to consider

  • Who do you follow blindly?
  • Can you find truth without a guide?

Another view

It risks dismissing valuable guidance from experienced mentors.

More from Jiddu Krishnamurti

  1. The traditional approach is from the periphery inwards, and through time, practice and renunciation, gradually to come upon that inner flower, that inner beaut…

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. That is the first thing to learn-not to seek. When you seek you are really only window-shopping. The question of whether or not there is a God or truth or real…

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. Throughout theological history we have been assured by religious leaders that if we perform certain rituals, repeat certain prayers or mantras, conform to cert…

    Permalink to quote #17

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